We are gearing up for a very busy summer here at Clare Gardens! The birds have safely migrated back, perennials are popping up from the ground, pollinators are slowly making their appearance, and the weather is finally beginning to warm up.
Farm Manager Anna showing us the plants sprouting in the fields
Volunteer Highlights
We’ve welcomed volunteers back to the farm, and we’re so grateful for their support. Thank you to Fifth Third Bank and Hartford Union High School for your continued service. Both groups included returning volunteers from past years, and we love seeing familiar faces each season!
Together, we planted entire fields of brassicas, lettuces, and leeks, while also mulching our flower and herb gardens. We also had the pleasure of spending a couple of afternoons with Sister Mary from Trinity Woods. She helped us plant tomatoes in our high tunnel and start seeding our winter squash, gourds, and pumpkins—can you believe we’re already thinking about fall?! With so many helping hands, we were able to accomplish so much in record time.
We work best when volunteers are part of what we do. Whether you’re an individual looking for a regular volunteer schedule or a large group wanting to spend a day with us, we’re flexible and grateful for any time you can give. Every helping hand makes a real impact on our work and mission. If you’re interested in volunteering, head to our volunteer page to get started!
Fresh From Clare Gardens to Our Communities
Spring deliveries have already begun, and the kitchens have been enjoying radishes, rhubarb, herbs, spinach, and other fresh greens harvested straight from the farm.
We also spent much of the spring preparing for our seedling sales on May 27th and May 30th. With so many flowers, tomatoes, herbs, and other seedlings available, we hope your gardens are now full and thriving. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported Clare Gardens through your generous purchases!
Meanwhile, we’re making great progress filling our fields with all the summer crops we know our community members love. Tomatoes, zucchini, crunchy brassicas, and much more will be ready in abundance soon!
2026 Seedling Sale at Trinity Woods
A New Crew Takes Root
We’ve also had a few new members join Farm Manager Anna on the crew this season, along with one returning from last year. Read about our 2026 farm crew below!
Abby (left) & Caroline (right).
Meet Abby
Hi, my name is Abby, and I’m joining the team as a Lead Farmer this year. My boyfriend and I recently moved here from the Minneapolis area. I’ve been farming for the past five years and have worked on high-volume vegetable farms, hydroponic herb farms, and my own flower and produce farm back in Minnesota. I was drawn to Clare Gardens because of its commitment to land stewardship and organic growing practices, which are very important to me. I’m proud to be part of this team and excited to grow produce I haven’t had the opportunity to grow before while contributing to such an important program.
Meet Caroline
Hi, I’m Caroline! This is my first season working at Clare Gardens, and I’m new to the farming and gardening world. My background is in healthcare, and I work as a nurse in an OB-GYN clinic when I’m not at the farm. I was looking for an opportunity to learn a new skill while staying active and spending time in nature, and Clare Gardens has been a wonderful fit. I’m excited to learn what it takes to help plants thrive and to watch them grow into a bountiful harvest.
Meet Lisa
My name is Lisa, and I love the outdoors. Growing up all over the U.S. and partly overseas as a military brat, being outside was a huge part of my life. Working with my hands in the dirt is what drew me to Clare Gardens, along with the mission of growing quality produce for seniors. That mission really resonates with me, as I’m very community-and service-minded, and I believe that’s at the heart of servanthood.
I’m especially excited about what Anna is building for the future of the gardens—sustainable farming while creating more opportunities for residents to come out, see behind the scenes, plant a few things, or help harvest. I’m also curious and excited to learn how to operate heavy machinery, especially the farm tractor!
Follow along all summer as we share updates straight from the field. In the meantime, head to our farm’s page below to learn more!
